About

Since its inception in 1991, GOVIS has evolved from the Government Information Systems Managers’ Forum into a vibrant community of practice, dedicated to serving government employees. This transformation was sparked by the introduction of new standards for interdepartmental electronic communications, which highlighted the need for a collaborative platform for IT professionals. Initially catering to IT managers, GOVIS quickly expanded its reach in 1992 to include a broader spectrum of information professionals, transcending traditional managerial roles.

The journey of GOVIS is marked by milestones that reflect its growing impact. In 1994, the inaugural GOVIS convention at the Lodge at Pāuatahanui set the stage for what would become a hallmark of excellence in professional gatherings. By 1995, the two-day conference format was established, attracting 60 delegates in its first year.  In 2007, GOVIS became an incorporated society under the brand 'GOVIS'. In 2016, GOVIS celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dinner at Te Papa which involved a few of those dedicated public servants that established GOVIS.

Our annual two-day conference has long been a cornerstone event for our industry, attracting up to 250 delegates and a host of generous sponsors. Following a break in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, we resumed holding conferences in 2022 under a one-day format, before returning to a two-day format in 2025. These conferences have consistently provided valuable opportunities for learning and networking, cementing GOVIS's reputation for delivering experiences that are not just enlightening, but also good value for money and a prudent investment of time and resources for public servants. The Public Service Commission (PSC) recognises GOVIS as a benchmark for conference experiences, praising our blend of value, expertise, and efficient delivery. This endorsement is a testament to GOVIS's ability to curate events that are not only informative but also immensely valuable for the professional development of public servants.

GOVIS's ethos is evident in the structure of its leadership, with an elected committee comprising members from various government agencies and the vendor community, ensuring that the organisation's direction is truly representative of its constituents' needs. Financially, GOVIS operates on a cost-recovery model, aiming to break even each year. This approach underlines a commitment to affordability and accessibility, ensuring that the primary focus remains on delivering quality experiences rather than generating profit.

GOVIS continues to support technology, information and data professionals in local and central government to connect, share and learn. We aim to meet the evolving needs of public servants and to continue adding value to our community, adapting to a new working culture by diversifying conference structures and increasing lunchtime forums. GOVIS upholds its mission to be a pivotal resource “For us, By us”, enabling government professionals to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape of technology, information and data with confidence and competence.